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Warding
First published by Things in the Well, closing out the anthology, BELOW THE STAIRS: TALES FROM THE CELLAR (featuring stories by Clive Barker, Chad Lutzke, Ramsey Campbell, Paul Kane, Theresa Derwin and many more), 'Warding' is available for the first time as a standalone novelette.
Featuring stunning cover artwork by Graphics in Design, packed with easter eggs from the story, this revised edition of WARDING comes complete with an introduction and author's notes on inspirations, story craft and even music related to the piece.
From Kev Harrison, author of CINDERS OF A BLIND MAN WHO COULD SEE, THE BALANCE (coming early 2020) and more than twenty published short stories, comes WARDING, a tale of subterranean supernatural horror.
"When Kate moves into her new home, she is looking for a fresh start. All that changes when her dog, Tigger, starts digging at a wall in the basement. The rank smell gives way to a medieval relic pertaining to witchcraft and superstition. But, in this modern age, such things can be seen for what they are: pure hokum...
Can't they?"
Featuring stunning cover artwork by Graphics in Design, packed with easter eggs from the story, this revised edition of WARDING comes complete with an introduction and author's notes on inspirations, story craft and even music related to the piece.
From Kev Harrison, author of CINDERS OF A BLIND MAN WHO COULD SEE, THE BALANCE (coming early 2020) and more than twenty published short stories, comes WARDING, a tale of subterranean supernatural horror.
"When Kate moves into her new home, she is looking for a fresh start. All that changes when her dog, Tigger, starts digging at a wall in the basement. The rank smell gives way to a medieval relic pertaining to witchcraft and superstition. But, in this modern age, such things can be seen for what they are: pure hokum...
Can't they?"
55 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 28, 2019
About the author
Kev Harrison
37 books123 followersKev Harrison is a writer of dark fiction and English language teacher from England, living and working in Lisbon, Portugal. He has previously lived in various areas of the UK, as well as Turkey and Poland.
He is a staff writer for This is Horror and has had short fiction published in a variety of magazines and anthologies, including Lost Films, from Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing, Below the Stairs: Tales From The Cellar from Things in the Well, Aphotic Realm Magazine's 'Fangs' issue and 'In Darkness Delight: Creatures of the Night from Corpus Press. He has also had short fiction featured on The Other Stories and Tales to Terrify podcasts.
He has two entries in Demain Publishing's Short Sharp Shocks series: 'Cinders of A Blind Man Who Could See' and 'Curfew'. His debut novella 'The Balance', is available now from Lycan Valley Press and his debut collection 'Paths Best Left Untrodden' is out now from Northern Republic.
His latest novella, 'Below' is available now from Brigids Gate Press
He is a staff writer for This is Horror and has had short fiction published in a variety of magazines and anthologies, including Lost Films, from Perpetual Motion Machine Publishing, Below the Stairs: Tales From The Cellar from Things in the Well, Aphotic Realm Magazine's 'Fangs' issue and 'In Darkness Delight: Creatures of the Night from Corpus Press. He has also had short fiction featured on The Other Stories and Tales to Terrify podcasts.
He has two entries in Demain Publishing's Short Sharp Shocks series: 'Cinders of A Blind Man Who Could See' and 'Curfew'. His debut novella 'The Balance', is available now from Lycan Valley Press and his debut collection 'Paths Best Left Untrodden' is out now from Northern Republic.
His latest novella, 'Below' is available now from Brigids Gate Press
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 30, 2020
Bloody loved this short offering from Kev Harrison who is fast becoming a writer I can’t get enough of.
This offering is a little stripped back from his other works, small cast of characters, pretty much one location and a smaller plot! But it’s brilliant!
What starts off as a slow burn slowly turns into a rampaging beast of a story, towards the stories conclusion Harrison does a remarkable job with pacing and I found myself literally getting out of breath reading it and I was willing my eyes to read faster as the tension is ramped up to boiling point (quite literally).
This one focuses on a witch and a curse and boy even though this is a short piece Harrison ensures to pack enough in there to give some history behind the thing that lurks in the basement. Terrific offering.
Also Harrison writes with such elegance that I just fall under his spell, his prose, his use of language, he could be writing about the most simplest of tasks but the way he writes them is just beautiful - I think I highlighted a passage in the book where the character just makes a coffee and it’s just stunning! Harrison’s prose is always a delight and that’s why I love reading his words... there is a lot of beauty within the horror and the day to day actions his characters do.
The world needs more from Harrison’s pen and I champion that!
This offering is a little stripped back from his other works, small cast of characters, pretty much one location and a smaller plot! But it’s brilliant!
What starts off as a slow burn slowly turns into a rampaging beast of a story, towards the stories conclusion Harrison does a remarkable job with pacing and I found myself literally getting out of breath reading it and I was willing my eyes to read faster as the tension is ramped up to boiling point (quite literally).
This one focuses on a witch and a curse and boy even though this is a short piece Harrison ensures to pack enough in there to give some history behind the thing that lurks in the basement. Terrific offering.
Also Harrison writes with such elegance that I just fall under his spell, his prose, his use of language, he could be writing about the most simplest of tasks but the way he writes them is just beautiful - I think I highlighted a passage in the book where the character just makes a coffee and it’s just stunning! Harrison’s prose is always a delight and that’s why I love reading his words... there is a lot of beauty within the horror and the day to day actions his characters do.
The world needs more from Harrison’s pen and I champion that!
September 25, 2022
I got a free copy of "Warding" and read it in one sitting. I must say, with the possible exception of "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, it is one of the creepiest short stories I have ever read. I could see it playing like a film in my mind's eye. I really came to care very quickly about what happened to the main character.
May 26, 2021
Kev Harrison proves he can put his magic to anything, whether that’s writing about European Folklore or in the case of Warding, a story of supernatural proportions. As always with Harrison’s work I was intrigued by the premise but let me tell you – nothing prepared me for the intensity and claustrophobia that would have me enthralled. He is the master of uneasiness and reading Warding was no different. It’s a novelette but incredibly fast paced with a small bunch of characters that are instantly relatable with values and working moral compasses.
Warding has done the impossible. How on earth can you pack in bucket loads of emotion, heart and fear into 55 pages? There is something exceedingly toxic permeating the air and Harrison has captured that with consummate skill. The history of witchcraft has always fascinated me. The witch trials have always been a major miscarriage of justice and I’ve viewed them as a major case of misogyny. The author captured the horrifying alongside the hope – an artistic ying and yang. Harrison’s narrative seeps past the pages and into the reader’s mind.
Kate has recently bought a new house. She’s exuberantly happy. The only thing that isn’t sitting right with her is the decaying stench that seems to be originating in the cellar. It smells like death and just why won’t her dog leave it alone? The author has wrung out every bit of emotion in order to captivate the reader. The chill and the worry is everywhere, like travelling down a beaten track at the stroke of midnight, hearing wildlife, twigs snapping, checking over your shoulder because you know something sinister lurks ahead.
Warding has done the impossible. How on earth can you pack in bucket loads of emotion, heart and fear into 55 pages? There is something exceedingly toxic permeating the air and Harrison has captured that with consummate skill. The history of witchcraft has always fascinated me. The witch trials have always been a major miscarriage of justice and I’ve viewed them as a major case of misogyny. The author captured the horrifying alongside the hope – an artistic ying and yang. Harrison’s narrative seeps past the pages and into the reader’s mind.
Kate has recently bought a new house. She’s exuberantly happy. The only thing that isn’t sitting right with her is the decaying stench that seems to be originating in the cellar. It smells like death and just why won’t her dog leave it alone? The author has wrung out every bit of emotion in order to captivate the reader. The chill and the worry is everywhere, like travelling down a beaten track at the stroke of midnight, hearing wildlife, twigs snapping, checking over your shoulder because you know something sinister lurks ahead.
April 30, 2021
Kindle Unlimited. Sometimes I forget I'm subscribed to the flipping thing. My loss.
Anyway, one author I hear a lot about these days is Kev Harrison and I did remember he had a couple of books on there. I've been meaning to check him out for a while. I decided to start with WARDING.
I didn't know at the time that this was the first piece he'd sold to a professional horror market. Good place to start with his work then.
So, this novelette ticked all the boxes for me: the dread, the pacing, the characters. Nothing felt overstated. And this one got pretty creepy. Nice.
And I liked the ending, too.
Nothing more needs said.
Anyone else looking to check out Kev's work should definitely give this one a go.
Right, I'm off to read another of his right now.
Five stars.
Anyway, one author I hear a lot about these days is Kev Harrison and I did remember he had a couple of books on there. I've been meaning to check him out for a while. I decided to start with WARDING.
I didn't know at the time that this was the first piece he'd sold to a professional horror market. Good place to start with his work then.
So, this novelette ticked all the boxes for me: the dread, the pacing, the characters. Nothing felt overstated. And this one got pretty creepy. Nice.
And I liked the ending, too.
Nothing more needs said.
Anyone else looking to check out Kev's work should definitely give this one a go.
Right, I'm off to read another of his right now.
Five stars.
October 18, 2020
I only recently had the pleasure of reading some fiction by Kev Harrison. We’d connected some time ago on Twitter and interacted a fair bit, but it wasn’t until I reviewed his recent Short! Sharp! Shocks! release, ‘Curfew’ that I’d enjoyed his prose. I do need to get reading ‘The Balance’ from him at some point here, but when he tweeted about his novella ‘Warding’ being available for free, I snagged it and dove in.
What I liked: ‘Warding’ is a truly stunning feat. Originally released in a Things From the Well Anthology, Tales From the Cellar specifically, Harrison has packed a novels worth of dread, emotion and story in about 55 pages.
Like many horror books, we dive into to Kate moving into her recently purchased house. Down in the cellar, there is an odour that she can’t place, but when her dog, Tig, comes down, there is an immediate response. The dog gets low, growls and freaks Kate (and the reader!) out.
From there Harrison gives us not only a great backstory on the house, but also on the area itself. Her dad becomes involved who then recruits a man from the local museum, which was a stroke of genius for Harrison. This allows us to get quick answers to questions that may normally need a dozen chapters to flesh out.
The writing is fantastic. I found I was unnerved the entire time, even as we start to learn just what is happening and the ending was a superb close to the story.
What I didn’t like: While Harrison did give us a fair amount of detail, I wish we’d have been given a section of backstory where we got a flashback scene to learn about what happened in the past. I want to stay spoiler free, so that���s all I’ll say. Obviously the original piece most likely had word count restrictions but with it being individually released later on, that would’ve been a nice touch.
Why you should buy this: Well, currently it is a free download, so go grab it. Otherwise, this is a fantastic story that’ll have you making sure a light is on and the covers are tucked. The story unfolds really nicely and Harrison makes sure that we get to squirm and cringe over and over. Really loved this one.
Easy 5/5
What I liked: ‘Warding’ is a truly stunning feat. Originally released in a Things From the Well Anthology, Tales From the Cellar specifically, Harrison has packed a novels worth of dread, emotion and story in about 55 pages.
Like many horror books, we dive into to Kate moving into her recently purchased house. Down in the cellar, there is an odour that she can’t place, but when her dog, Tig, comes down, there is an immediate response. The dog gets low, growls and freaks Kate (and the reader!) out.
From there Harrison gives us not only a great backstory on the house, but also on the area itself. Her dad becomes involved who then recruits a man from the local museum, which was a stroke of genius for Harrison. This allows us to get quick answers to questions that may normally need a dozen chapters to flesh out.
The writing is fantastic. I found I was unnerved the entire time, even as we start to learn just what is happening and the ending was a superb close to the story.
What I didn’t like: While Harrison did give us a fair amount of detail, I wish we’d have been given a section of backstory where we got a flashback scene to learn about what happened in the past. I want to stay spoiler free, so that���s all I’ll say. Obviously the original piece most likely had word count restrictions but with it being individually released later on, that would’ve been a nice touch.
Why you should buy this: Well, currently it is a free download, so go grab it. Otherwise, this is a fantastic story that’ll have you making sure a light is on and the covers are tucked. The story unfolds really nicely and Harrison makes sure that we get to squirm and cringe over and over. Really loved this one.
Easy 5/5
February 9, 2021
You’ll find lots of creepiness and scary happenings in this well-written short story. I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
January 9, 2021
Well, this was a nice little dose of witchy creepiness (made even more creepy by the fact that I had a cellar exactly like this in my first house!)
Kate moves into a new home and discovers something very unsettling is already there.
A little bit folk horror and a little bit psychological, this moves along at a steady, even pace, drawing the reader ever onward as we are plunged into a race against time. I particularly liked the potency of this.
This is my first time reading this author, and I'll definitely be back for more.
Don't forget to read the Author's Notes at the back of the book for added oomph!
Kate moves into a new home and discovers something very unsettling is already there.
A little bit folk horror and a little bit psychological, this moves along at a steady, even pace, drawing the reader ever onward as we are plunged into a race against time. I particularly liked the potency of this.
This is my first time reading this author, and I'll definitely be back for more.
Don't forget to read the Author's Notes at the back of the book for added oomph!
December 14, 2020
4.5 stars
This is my first experience with Kev Harrison. I do have a couple of his other books, but I thought I would jump into this one to get a feel for his style. This one is short but packs a pretty mean punch.
Great pacing. Comes out as a little bit of a slow burn but when it picks up speed, hold on tight, it doesn’t stop.
Not very many characters in this story, which can be good. Not as many people to remember. I do find fault however with having a dog named Tigger. C'mon man, don’t give a dog a cats name. I’m a dog person.
I don't want to give too much away because it is a short story, but we have a young woman, in a new house with her dog, named Tigger.
She smells something rank. Something funky. Something kinda dead. She calls her dad and has him come over to explore and find what the smell is.
Of course dad gets out his toolbelt, and does what dads do, start working on getting the culprit out. Which means breaking pieces out of walls, moving bricks and so on.
Lets just say sometimes its better to leave things alone, no matter how bad the smell is. You never know what you are going to release.
This story has a great creepy feel throughout, a non-stop eerie feeling you just can't shake.
And Like I said earlier, the slow burn is worth the wait, closer to the end everything comes together and we take off for a crazy ride. Oh, and the fly...damn that fucking fly. The fly will raise your blood pressure.
A very enjoyable story overall. It’s a short offering, short review. But I do look forward to jumping into more from Kev Harrison.
This is my first experience with Kev Harrison. I do have a couple of his other books, but I thought I would jump into this one to get a feel for his style. This one is short but packs a pretty mean punch.
Great pacing. Comes out as a little bit of a slow burn but when it picks up speed, hold on tight, it doesn’t stop.
Not very many characters in this story, which can be good. Not as many people to remember. I do find fault however with having a dog named Tigger. C'mon man, don’t give a dog a cats name. I’m a dog person.
I don't want to give too much away because it is a short story, but we have a young woman, in a new house with her dog, named Tigger.
She smells something rank. Something funky. Something kinda dead. She calls her dad and has him come over to explore and find what the smell is.
Of course dad gets out his toolbelt, and does what dads do, start working on getting the culprit out. Which means breaking pieces out of walls, moving bricks and so on.
Lets just say sometimes its better to leave things alone, no matter how bad the smell is. You never know what you are going to release.
This story has a great creepy feel throughout, a non-stop eerie feeling you just can't shake.
And Like I said earlier, the slow burn is worth the wait, closer to the end everything comes together and we take off for a crazy ride. Oh, and the fly...damn that fucking fly. The fly will raise your blood pressure.
A very enjoyable story overall. It’s a short offering, short review. But I do look forward to jumping into more from Kev Harrison.
June 7, 2020
On Saturday I sat myself down and opened this book, and then in what felt like minutes, closed it again because I’d got so hooked on it I’d finished it in a single sitting.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Warding, but I wasn’t in the slightest bit disappointed, the beginning is a good pace for introducing characters and what’s going on, and then just around the half way mark you start involuntarily speed reading it because things gradually get more tense.
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil it, but if you know what “warding” is you can guess what the book is about, it’s thoroughly enjoyable and I’d go so far as to say it’s the best book I’ve read containing witchcraft for a long time. I would wager a fair bit of research went into getting it right and it’s energy well spent.
I was really impressed to be honest, it’s a wonderful book with an interesting concept and a brilliant ending. The imagery is fantastic and the writing style is easy to read. It’s not an overly long book so if you’ve got time for a lazy day you’ll easily get through it in a sitting. It’s also long enough however that if you want to savour it you could read so much each day, if you can actually do that because it pulled me in and wouldn’t let go.
Definitely an author I’ll be watching!
I wasn’t sure what to expect from Warding, but I wasn’t in the slightest bit disappointed, the beginning is a good pace for introducing characters and what’s going on, and then just around the half way mark you start involuntarily speed reading it because things gradually get more tense.
I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to spoil it, but if you know what “warding” is you can guess what the book is about, it’s thoroughly enjoyable and I’d go so far as to say it’s the best book I’ve read containing witchcraft for a long time. I would wager a fair bit of research went into getting it right and it’s energy well spent.
I was really impressed to be honest, it’s a wonderful book with an interesting concept and a brilliant ending. The imagery is fantastic and the writing style is easy to read. It’s not an overly long book so if you’ve got time for a lazy day you’ll easily get through it in a sitting. It’s also long enough however that if you want to savour it you could read so much each day, if you can actually do that because it pulled me in and wouldn’t let go.
Definitely an author I’ll be watching!
October 27, 2020
Engaging chiller
Well-paced and full of darkness, this reminds you why it's always safer to stay out of the cellar. Highly recommended quick read.
Well-paced and full of darkness, this reminds you why it's always safer to stay out of the cellar. Highly recommended quick read.
January 28, 2021
I don't want to spoil things, especially since this is a novelette, but if you're a fan of dark fiction, if you have a persistent thought in the back of your mind that maybe there really are terrible things waiting for us in the dark...then read it. You won't regret it.
June 18, 2022
Warding is a short story that was first published in Below the Stairs: Tales from the Cellar, a horror anthology by Things in the Well. It follows Kate, a young woman who is in the process of settling in her new home. Everything seems to be going well, apart from a rancid smell emanating from a wall in the cellar, a place that is also disturbing Kate’s dog, Tigger. Something seems to be hiding in the wall, a disturbing relic of another world, a world full of fear, witchcraft, and superstition. It harkens to things unimaginable in our modern times. And yet, once the object is unearthed, Kate cannot help but begin to wonder…
Even though there isn’t much background on the characters, there is enough material to allow the reader to feel for them and root for them. In such limited space, the focus is on the plot, on the mysterious happenings in the house. The setting is limited to Kate’s home, and there are only a handful of characters, which results in a sickening sense of claustrophobia. The narrative gradually gains intensity and speed, with several truly terrifying scenes. Given the story’s background in folklore, there are also several instances of particularly powerful and memorable imagery. Without giving away exactly what makes them so effective, the relic found in the cellar is an unforgettably spine-chilling image, and the scene with the fly is an excellent example of using senses other than the eye to terrify.
Overall, Warding is a highly recommended, well-crafted short read in which the author uses limited space (both in the sense of word count and in the sense of the physical world the characters move in) to great effect. The primordial nature of the evil is nicely juxtaposed with the more modern times, prone to skepticism and forgetfulness. But places and things can remember, and they can cause harm or offer protection, depending on the will and knowledge of people. In the face of an intelligent and malevolent power, what wards can keep Kate safe?
Even though there isn’t much background on the characters, there is enough material to allow the reader to feel for them and root for them. In such limited space, the focus is on the plot, on the mysterious happenings in the house. The setting is limited to Kate’s home, and there are only a handful of characters, which results in a sickening sense of claustrophobia. The narrative gradually gains intensity and speed, with several truly terrifying scenes. Given the story’s background in folklore, there are also several instances of particularly powerful and memorable imagery. Without giving away exactly what makes them so effective, the relic found in the cellar is an unforgettably spine-chilling image, and the scene with the fly is an excellent example of using senses other than the eye to terrify.
Overall, Warding is a highly recommended, well-crafted short read in which the author uses limited space (both in the sense of word count and in the sense of the physical world the characters move in) to great effect. The primordial nature of the evil is nicely juxtaposed with the more modern times, prone to skepticism and forgetfulness. But places and things can remember, and they can cause harm or offer protection, depending on the will and knowledge of people. In the face of an intelligent and malevolent power, what wards can keep Kate safe?
February 5, 2024
I received a copy of this through vicarious readers only.
This is one of the best short horror stories I've ever read, while being short it was still creepy and horror-filled perfect for people who want a short, to the point horror book.
This is one of the best short horror stories I've ever read, while being short it was still creepy and horror-filled perfect for people who want a short, to the point horror book.
January 16, 2021
The midnight discovery...
No spoilers. 5 stars. It is around midnight and Kate is unpacking boxes in her new house. She uses an old cast-iron key and unlocks the cellar door...
A foul, rancid odor coming up from the cellar smacks her in the face. She first noticed this putrid smell a few days ago...
Tigger, her dog, happily follows her down the old rickety stairs but when he reaches the bottom he goes into a crouch, ears back and begins growling...
... the dog has spotted an eye looking through a crack in the brick wall of the cellar...
... a large metallic green fly slowly circles the room...
I can't give away anything else about this short story due to spoilers. I was always one to avoid short stories because I wanted them to last longer (if they are good) but I'm finding that the shorts are just the right length as a bedtime story.
This story is 55 pages but packed with so much detail that it seems like a longer tale. This is my second story by this author about Germatic folklore and he is quite good telling them. He is now on my radar for new releases.
No spoilers. 5 stars. It is around midnight and Kate is unpacking boxes in her new house. She uses an old cast-iron key and unlocks the cellar door...
A foul, rancid odor coming up from the cellar smacks her in the face. She first noticed this putrid smell a few days ago...
Tigger, her dog, happily follows her down the old rickety stairs but when he reaches the bottom he goes into a crouch, ears back and begins growling...
... the dog has spotted an eye looking through a crack in the brick wall of the cellar...
... a large metallic green fly slowly circles the room...
I can't give away anything else about this short story due to spoilers. I was always one to avoid short stories because I wanted them to last longer (if they are good) but I'm finding that the shorts are just the right length as a bedtime story.
This story is 55 pages but packed with so much detail that it seems like a longer tale. This is my second story by this author about Germatic folklore and he is quite good telling them. He is now on my radar for new releases.
May 29, 2021
Kev Harrison starts his short story with a great letter of introduction, a rundown of the explanation of the story, its inclusion in a collection of stories, and subsequent elevation to stand-alone publication. Given that it was Kev’s first professional horror-market-accepted short, there’s a lot of great things here to fill in the 11,000 words or so that make up the short’s core, and Kev finishes the book off with an Authors notes final section, to explain a few of the “where, how and why” of the concepts behind the story. I’m a details nerd, those Author notes are golden, it’s great to see the logical progression of an idea, its basis – a call for submissions under a theme “Below the stairs: Tales from the cellar”, the happenstance of just having watched a documentary about Warding animals – it’s all golden.
Now, this IS a debut short. Mr. Harrison’s concept is sound, you can see the passion and love of detail which I hope is going to be played to more in his other shorts. Given that there are only 11,000 words on the table, characterization lacked somewhat in the MC, for my tastes – we got straight to the action and cause of all of the trouble that was to follow – a dead cat plastered into the walls of an old house which has just been bought by a young woman. I know the framework of writing to a set number of words, and the basic rule is to strip the story down to its core, pace it out and flesh it up, but I feel that characterization suffered here because of it. I got more of a feel for the MC’s father than I did for the MC – Kate -herself. Leaving that aside, the story, the concept here, is class. A Dead animal buried (well, trapped) alive to act as a ward against a demonic possessed witch. Exactly the type of thing you want to read about. The pages flew, Kev really ratcheted up the pace and tension at the end, I was fighting against the kindle, my finger was doing a jig, it was all very quick and exciting and manic, and that’s a fantastic thing to have achieved in so little words. So Kudos, Kev, I enjoyed this.
There are hints of a writer just beginning their career, here. I’m a details nerd, I look at paragraph structure, sentence structure, repeat words, repeat paragraph starters, so there are things here that will be erased in time in his future books – for example the sentence/paragraph start “She” – at about halfway through the book, after the manifestation of the witch, almost every sentence starts with “She”, as we follow her progress in attempting to fulfill some of the witches wishes. Hard to avoid in a solitary third-person narrative, but that’s a part of the craft that you do once, and then make sure never happens again, and honestly, the pace of the book picks right up as soon as the third character, Jim, becomes invested in the story, and it’s such a small thing, only the evil Austrian is going to notice it.
I’m giving this four out of five ⭐, thanks to the breakneck pace and investment that come in the final quarter of the book, the tension ratcheted up and flying by (I might even have gotten finger cramp if it had carried on much longer). I think it’s a good starter, I have Kev's collection “Paths best left untrodden” on order, let’s see how a few years have sharpened his prose.
Now, this IS a debut short. Mr. Harrison’s concept is sound, you can see the passion and love of detail which I hope is going to be played to more in his other shorts. Given that there are only 11,000 words on the table, characterization lacked somewhat in the MC, for my tastes – we got straight to the action and cause of all of the trouble that was to follow – a dead cat plastered into the walls of an old house which has just been bought by a young woman. I know the framework of writing to a set number of words, and the basic rule is to strip the story down to its core, pace it out and flesh it up, but I feel that characterization suffered here because of it. I got more of a feel for the MC’s father than I did for the MC – Kate -herself. Leaving that aside, the story, the concept here, is class. A Dead animal buried (well, trapped) alive to act as a ward against a demonic possessed witch. Exactly the type of thing you want to read about. The pages flew, Kev really ratcheted up the pace and tension at the end, I was fighting against the kindle, my finger was doing a jig, it was all very quick and exciting and manic, and that’s a fantastic thing to have achieved in so little words. So Kudos, Kev, I enjoyed this.
There are hints of a writer just beginning their career, here. I’m a details nerd, I look at paragraph structure, sentence structure, repeat words, repeat paragraph starters, so there are things here that will be erased in time in his future books – for example the sentence/paragraph start “She” – at about halfway through the book, after the manifestation of the witch, almost every sentence starts with “She”, as we follow her progress in attempting to fulfill some of the witches wishes. Hard to avoid in a solitary third-person narrative, but that’s a part of the craft that you do once, and then make sure never happens again, and honestly, the pace of the book picks right up as soon as the third character, Jim, becomes invested in the story, and it’s such a small thing, only the evil Austrian is going to notice it.
I’m giving this four out of five ⭐, thanks to the breakneck pace and investment that come in the final quarter of the book, the tension ratcheted up and flying by (I might even have gotten finger cramp if it had carried on much longer). I think it’s a good starter, I have Kev's collection “Paths best left untrodden” on order, let’s see how a few years have sharpened his prose.
February 17, 2020
Warding is quirky, folk horror. On the surface, the quiet community of Douker’s Weir seemed quaint and friendly, but the town had a sordid history steeped in superstition and black magic.
An “odd, rancid odour” hinted that something dreadful lurked in Kate’s new home. When she investigated the cellar with her dog, and the animal barked, “Short, sharp sounds that spoke of menace,” I suspected that there was a corpse or a creature entombed inside the brick wall.
Kate dug away mortar, and saw a bright green eye. Why would anyone drown a black cat, and stash it in the cellar? And how could the corpse be so well preserved?
As I read more, the tale became stranger, and suspense built. “The cat’s body had been shorn from below the neck on one side. The skin was emblazoned with vivid red symbols…The mouth was open in an endless cry, canines posed in warning.” When I read that passage, I knew I was in for a wild ride.
Harrison deftly blended psychological horror with visceral descriptions and dashes of dark humor. Warding kept me entertained from the first page until the finale. Recommended.
An “odd, rancid odour” hinted that something dreadful lurked in Kate’s new home. When she investigated the cellar with her dog, and the animal barked, “Short, sharp sounds that spoke of menace,” I suspected that there was a corpse or a creature entombed inside the brick wall.
Kate dug away mortar, and saw a bright green eye. Why would anyone drown a black cat, and stash it in the cellar? And how could the corpse be so well preserved?
As I read more, the tale became stranger, and suspense built. “The cat’s body had been shorn from below the neck on one side. The skin was emblazoned with vivid red symbols…The mouth was open in an endless cry, canines posed in warning.” When I read that passage, I knew I was in for a wild ride.
Harrison deftly blended psychological horror with visceral descriptions and dashes of dark humor. Warding kept me entertained from the first page until the finale. Recommended.
January 16, 2020
I came to this one with some prior knowledge of Kev's work, and knew I was probably going to be in for an engaging little story that takes a bit of folklore and turns it into a lovely bit of fiction that's rooted in reality while still being deliciously imaginative.
This one uses the tropes of a haunted house or possession story, and I've got to be honest, that's usually a fairly hard sell for me. There's just so much of that out there that it can be difficult to be original.
I shouldn't have worried. Bringing in elements of witchcraft, it manages to subvert those 'ghostly' ideas and switch them to the far nastier witchcraft side of things. For what it's worth, I know Harrison has at least a passing interest in that, and I suspect he's way more obsessed than he lets on, because he uses it in a way that really works for the story.
It's easy to power through Warding, and each scene leads you effortlessly onto the next with crisp dialogue, rapid escalation of tension, and well-penned denouement.
This is one you'll definitely want to check out.
This one uses the tropes of a haunted house or possession story, and I've got to be honest, that's usually a fairly hard sell for me. There's just so much of that out there that it can be difficult to be original.
I shouldn't have worried. Bringing in elements of witchcraft, it manages to subvert those 'ghostly' ideas and switch them to the far nastier witchcraft side of things. For what it's worth, I know Harrison has at least a passing interest in that, and I suspect he's way more obsessed than he lets on, because he uses it in a way that really works for the story.
It's easy to power through Warding, and each scene leads you effortlessly onto the next with crisp dialogue, rapid escalation of tension, and well-penned denouement.
This is one you'll definitely want to check out.
March 21, 2020
As soon as I read the blurb for this story, I knew it was something I wanted to read. I was not wrong because I enjoyed the hell out of it.
When Kate moves into her new house with her dog, Tigger, she's eager to turn it into a comfortable home. But after Tigger starts digging at a wall in the cellar and finds a horrible surprise, her life is turned upside down...
Wow. What an awesome novelette!
As soon as I started reading, I was hooked and couldn't stop. The writing is smooth and sets the mood as perfectly as the mounting tension. Kate is an awesome character who might be terrified by what she finds, but responds in a logical way. The two supporting characters were great. And Tigger is such a cutie.
Oh, and what lurks in the cellar is both terrifying and cool. Terrifying because I felt so bad for Kate and what she was going through. Cool because I love creepy house stories, witchcraft history and demonology. There were two very familiar demonic names mentioned that I've researched and used myself in my own stories, so I always get a kick out of that.
Loved it.
When Kate moves into her new house with her dog, Tigger, she's eager to turn it into a comfortable home. But after Tigger starts digging at a wall in the cellar and finds a horrible surprise, her life is turned upside down...
Wow. What an awesome novelette!
As soon as I started reading, I was hooked and couldn't stop. The writing is smooth and sets the mood as perfectly as the mounting tension. Kate is an awesome character who might be terrified by what she finds, but responds in a logical way. The two supporting characters were great. And Tigger is such a cutie.
Oh, and what lurks in the cellar is both terrifying and cool. Terrifying because I felt so bad for Kate and what she was going through. Cool because I love creepy house stories, witchcraft history and demonology. There were two very familiar demonic names mentioned that I've researched and used myself in my own stories, so I always get a kick out of that.
Loved it.
October 20, 2020
RIVETING
I saw this offered as free on the kindle store and decided why not, this often times results in me purchasing more works from the authors once I have a bit of exposure to the author.
To say that That I was pleased with this tale is an understatement, in just 55 pages Harrison had me hooked.
I was mesmerized by his ability to instantly create an atmospheric sense of dread, the ease in which he accomplished this had me in shock. Once I began reading I couldn’t look away, except for a perfectly timed knock at my door.
I can surely say that I will be checking out more of his works, and I would recommend this story to anyone looking to get a sense of what horror has to offer.
I saw this offered as free on the kindle store and decided why not, this often times results in me purchasing more works from the authors once I have a bit of exposure to the author.
To say that That I was pleased with this tale is an understatement, in just 55 pages Harrison had me hooked.
I was mesmerized by his ability to instantly create an atmospheric sense of dread, the ease in which he accomplished this had me in shock. Once I began reading I couldn’t look away, except for a perfectly timed knock at my door.
I can surely say that I will be checking out more of his works, and I would recommend this story to anyone looking to get a sense of what horror has to offer.
January 11, 2020
I've read a lot of Kev Harrison's fiction so I was delighted when he decided to self publish this story as I hadn't read it before.
Warding is a cracking little tale, at about 12k long, I was able to read it all one sitting. Despite the short length of the story, Harrison manages to cram in well developed characters and a central horror conceit that felt grounded and held weight.
At about 75% in, I still had no idea which way this book was going to go, with a few different endings possible. It kept me guessing until the end and delivered a satisfying ending.
An absolute steal at 99p!
Warding is a cracking little tale, at about 12k long, I was able to read it all one sitting. Despite the short length of the story, Harrison manages to cram in well developed characters and a central horror conceit that felt grounded and held weight.
At about 75% in, I still had no idea which way this book was going to go, with a few different endings possible. It kept me guessing until the end and delivered a satisfying ending.
An absolute steal at 99p!
November 21, 2023
Sometimes good things come in small packages.
This novella was an entertaining easy read. The familiar tropes of haunted houses and possessed entities are mixed with witchy folk horror to create this wicked tale.
I enjoyed the author's note which breaks down the inspirations and researched references that helped bring this story to life.
I look forward to reading more of Harrison's works.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and the author for sending me this story in exchange for my review.
This novella was an entertaining easy read. The familiar tropes of haunted houses and possessed entities are mixed with witchy folk horror to create this wicked tale.
I enjoyed the author's note which breaks down the inspirations and researched references that helped bring this story to life.
I look forward to reading more of Harrison's works.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and the author for sending me this story in exchange for my review.
March 23, 2020
This story is filled with witchy-goodness. That's what I came for, and that's what Harrison delivers. From start to finish, the story unfolds at a steady pace, one that might having you turning to the last page in one sitting. The tension and dread escalate. And the unraveling details will keep you guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed the author's notes afterwards. The fact that this story is tethered to historical elements enhanced my reading experience.
October 23, 2020
Despite my stomach turned at the beginning of the story (you know what scene I'm talking about) I loved this witchy little treat!
The characters were lovely and Jim happened to be my favourite. I kept rooting for him as time ticked against the horrible witch.
The scenes were written with great tension. I just had to flip the pages to know what was going to happen next.
It was a delightful intro into Kev's writing and I can't wait to read more of his stories.
The characters were lovely and Jim happened to be my favourite. I kept rooting for him as time ticked against the horrible witch.
The scenes were written with great tension. I just had to flip the pages to know what was going to happen next.
It was a delightful intro into Kev's writing and I can't wait to read more of his stories.
February 3, 2023
I enjoyed this short story from Kev Harrison. It's a supernatural tale relating to witchcraft and the occult, throwing in demon possession and witch hunters too, with nice ties to rituals and folklore. It's packs a scary punch too. I read it over three nights, worried that it would give me nightmares, but fortunately I slept like the dead - although in this book that might not be so restful. It gives beating hearts a whole new perspective, especially if black.
Grab it if you dare.
Grab it if you dare.
March 30, 2024
Easily a book to start and finish in one sitting. This is one of the creepiest short stories I have ever read. Most read especially as an engaging worthy palate cleanser (since it is a short story). The first book I have read by Kev Harrison and will be back for more pieces by him.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an Honest Unbiased Opinion of a review.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for providing me with a free copy of this book in return for an Honest Unbiased Opinion of a review.
October 8, 2020
A short story but it manages to build tension and suspense quite well. You get a little character development in there too.
The horror bits get a little predictable and I didn't care for the witch and ____ stuff as a personal taste thing. (So disregard if you are into that, I just usually find it annoying.) The psychological aspects made up for it though in my opinion.
It is not overly gory but there are certainly disturbing images in it. (Animal violence!) Otherwise, it's just well written throughout and worth the read.
The horror bits get a little predictable and I didn't care for the witch and ____ stuff as a personal taste thing. (So disregard if you are into that, I just usually find it annoying.) The psychological aspects made up for it though in my opinion.
It is not overly gory but there are certainly disturbing images in it. (Animal violence!) Otherwise, it's just well written throughout and worth the read.
February 17, 2022
I was given this short story and I found it to be entertaining - yukky, yes, but entertaining.
The writing style is fast-paced and it quickly describes the characters and what could happen.
I don't give spoilers, but I'd be careful when moving to a new place.
Worth a look.
The writing style is fast-paced and it quickly describes the characters and what could happen.
I don't give spoilers, but I'd be careful when moving to a new place.
Worth a look.
February 23, 2024
I completely enjoyed this suspenseful supernatural thriller. For me Warding was not slow to start at all. I was maybe two pages in and hooked. It kept me on my toes, and held me in suspense through the entire story. I am definitely going to look into reading more books by Kev Harrison. Great job!!!
January 16, 2024
Great short story.......be careful what your house holds
February 10, 2024
I thourghly enjoyed this story. This was my first book by this author and I look forward to reading more of their work.
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